Toto is a coconut spice cake that is popular throughout the Caribbean. On some islands it is simply called Coconut Cake. Toto is a dense cake that is rather plain and not much to look at but the combination of coconut and spices makes for a delicious confection that is sure to delight any coconut lover. Add a little (¼ C. or so) dark rum for added flavor.
This recipe happened quite unintentionally a few years ago. I had some grated coconut lingering in the fridge and a new brand of vanilla to try. Add to that the fact that my now former boss had just gifted me with some antique Pyrex baking dishes. I needed an excuse to use the Pyrex so the coconut and the new vanilla were just the thing. The vanilla wasn’t really my choice, I’m a brand snob when it comes to some things, but it was all I had. So after whipping up my coconut cake or Toto as we Jamaicans call it and waiting for it to bake, I could hardly contain myself. I vaguely recall something about putting it outside in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter to speed up the cooling process.
As soon as I could I bit into the first slice I was immediately transported back to memories of my younger days in Jamaica. The vanilla, a concentrate made by Island Spice had such a rich aroma and gave the cake such authentic flavor my cousin and I ate the whole thing in 1 sitting
This recipe happened quite unintentionally a few years ago. I had some grated coconut lingering in the fridge and a new brand of vanilla to try. Add to that the fact that my now former boss had just gifted me with some antique Pyrex baking dishes. I needed an excuse to use the Pyrex so the coconut and the new vanilla were just the thing. The vanilla wasn’t really my choice, I’m a brand snob when it comes to some things, but it was all I had. So after whipping up my coconut cake or Toto as we Jamaicans call it and waiting for it to bake, I could hardly contain myself. I vaguely recall something about putting it outside in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter to speed up the cooling process. As soon as I could I bit into the first slice I was immediately transported back to memories of my younger days in Jamaica. Well. that toto turned out so good I had to write the recipe down before I forgot
The vanilla, a concentrate made by Island Spice had such a rich aroma and gave the cake such authentic flavor my cousin and I ate the whole thing in 1 sitting
Toto – Coconut Cake Recipe
- 1 C brown sugar
- 2 C flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon* (substitute 1 tsp SweetSpice for cinnamon and nutmeg)
- ½ tsp nutmeg*
- 3 C grated coconut (or dry coconut flakes**)
- ¼ lb butter (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1½ C coconut milk (*substitute whole milk)
Preheat oven to 375°
Place dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. mix until butter until it is fully absorbed and the mixture is sandy. Slowly stir in the vanilla and milk. Continue mixing for 2 to 3 minutes until batter is evenly mixed. Pour mixture into a glass rectangular 8” x 12” or round 9” baking pan. Bake in center of oven at 375° for about 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness. If toothpick is not clean return cake to the oven. Check every 5 minutes for doneness. Once the cake is fully baked, remove from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool. Store in a cool dark area at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
* substitute 1 tsp Sweet Spice Dessert Accent in place of Cinnamon and nutmeg
** If using store bought coconut. Blend the coconut to make the texture finer. It will give your cake a much better texture and flavor.
thanks that was a blessing finding your website i have been looking for a web and you have justy inspired me thank you how do i send in some money to you
I love this Recipe.The product is very good.
I made this cake and it was perfect. Just what I was looking for in a toto. A little bit sweeter than I like so next time I will use a little less sugar. Texture was very good. Thanks
Thank you Beverly. I am so glad you liked it.
Great recipe. I tried it and loved everything about it. I could not stop eating it. Thanks for sharing it.
Omg thank you it was good i am so happy.
I have made tot using this recipe three times, and each time I bake the toto, it gets better and better. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Thank you so much for the feedback Patrice. Comments like yours motivate me to keep cooking. Bon appetit
Excellent cake! I love that its authentically vegan! Its so dense, it fills you up quite fast